Sensor and method for identifying a mechanical deformation of a housing of a charging column

Abstract

A sensor for identifying a mechanical deformation of a housing of a charging column configured to charge an electrical energy store of an electrically driven vehicle. The sensor includes an elongated arm having a first end portion arranged in the longitudinal orientation and a second end portion opposite the first end portion in the longitudinal orientation. The arm is connected at its first end portion to a base of the charging column and runs in the longitudinal orientation approximately parallel to a part of the charging column that is sensitive to deformations of the housing, in particular to a side wall of the housing. An electrical probe element is arranged on the second end portion of the arm. An activation element is connected to the part of the charging column that is sensitive to deformations of the housing and is configured to activate the electrical probe element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2017 115 507.4, filed Jul. 11, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a sensor and to a method for identifying a mechanical deformation of a housing of a charging column configured to charge an electrical energy store of an electrically driven vehicle. The present invention further relates to a corresponding method and to a charging column fitted with a sensor according to aspects of the invention.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Modern electric vehicles generally allow two charging modes. A vehicle has a so-called on-board charging device for charging at a desired AC voltage or three-phase socket, said charging device controlling both the required conversion to direct current and a charging operation of a battery comprised by the vehicle. However, such an AC charging mode is extremel...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a sensor that can detect damage to charging columns caused by external factors, such as bending or impacts, to prevent accidents and minimize risks associated with charging. The sensor can automatically deactivate the charging column to prevent reactivation in case of deformation. It also includes a second electrical contact that changes its state upon deactivation, allowing the monitoring system to identify the fault and collect additional data. The sensor is easy to install and test during service.

Problems solved by technology

However, such an AC charging mode is extremely restricted in terms of charging speed on account of the connection power available, generally not more than 16 A or 32 A, and on account of an installation of the charging device with sufficient power.

In modern electric vehicles, this results in charging times of several hours to be able to travel 100 km.

In the event that charging columns use the mentioned high voltages of up to 1000 V and at the same time the corresponding charging columns are generally available in locations directly accessible for vehicles, there is the risk that the charging columns are damaged by vehicles or other mobile units, such as, for example, even animals etc., or the columns are damaged by other instances of vandalism.

In this case, on account of the high voltages, it is not possible to ensure that no components of the charging columns are damaged, as a result of which there may possibly be a high risk for a user originating from the damaged charging columns.

In this case, the mentioned fault comprises incorrect positioning of the electric vehicle relative to the charging station, an incorrect position of the charging arm, a temperature outside of a desired scope or a current outside of a desired range.

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